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Old April 23rd, 2014, 08:47 AM
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Marty11 Marty11 is offline
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Top Dog

I expected Marty to be the Top Dog when Bea came into the house. Bea is coming out of her shyness and expressing little challenges (not serious ones). Can I help keep Marty in top rank position or just let them establish the order themselves. Marty is a very loyal obedient trusting dog and I wanted her to be the role model for Bea who only raised babies in her life. Time for doggie school????? Bea is 5 and Marty is 6, both spayed. When I had two other dogs before Bea, Marty was not the top dog out of 3.
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Old April 23rd, 2014, 10:52 AM
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hazelrunpack hazelrunpack is offline
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You can sort out who will be your top dog, but it's very difficult to make them sort it out the way you want it between themselves. Here, we pretty much let them establish their own order, but we step in to keep it civil. If someone gets growly or owly or too pushy, we break it up, and eventually that sort of behavior lessens dramatically. Just make sure they both get attention and their own special time with you so they both feel blessed!
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Old April 23rd, 2014, 11:47 AM
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Thanks hazelrunpack, it's been a long time since I had more than one dog. Each their own quality time alone, thanks for reminding me. I have a feeling of guilt because I had the absolute perfect dog in Marty and I don't want Bea to change that.
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Old April 23rd, 2014, 01:32 PM
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I agree w/HRP here 100% - The Dogs must decide who is second boss when the big boss (you) is away.
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Old April 23rd, 2014, 02:16 PM
Lynne&Co. Lynne&Co. is offline
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I also agree. The animals have a way of figuring out who's in charge. I say animals because our cat keeps the dogs in line and sometimes even the humans! We have easy going dogs though and a bully cat
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Old April 23rd, 2014, 02:30 PM
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I expected Marty to be top dog because she was there first and also she's older? However I guess that is not a for sure thing. Depends if Bea tries to challenge enough to get to the top!!! Bea lived in a pack of 6 dogs, so she must have some experience. Marty's been alone for about 3 or 4 years now. Like I said it's very different adopting an older dog, and it's my first time. Any suggestions appreciated. Lynne&Co I love watching the cats take charge, it's hilarious how dogs listen to them.....lol
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